Elderly and disabled people with concessionary bus passes will be able to enjoy free bus travel all day, every day from this week.

As part of Surrey County Council's efforts to support residents during the pandemic, free bus travel is now available before 9.30am to help eligible residents make use of early morning slots for vaccines, healthcare, shopping and other appointments.

Previously a free bus pass was valid between 9.30am and 11pm from Monday to Friday, and at any time on weekends and public holidays.

Matt Furniss, Surrey's Cabinet Member for Transport, said: "I'm very aware that many of our elderly and disabled residents rely on our bus network to both fund and facilitate vital journeys, especially during lockdown.

"I'm delighted that we have increased access to free bus travel once again to ensure essential journeys can take place at any time of the day and that our most vulnerable residents can travel for free off-peak when there are less passengers and it is safer to do so."

Bus companies in Surrey were invited to take part in the initiative, with all of them agreeing to participate.